Chapter 2: No, Something's Wrong—I've Become the Retired Emperor Again

With Wang Zhonghai's support, Zheng Yi once again entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

At this moment, the entire hall was in chaos; civil and military officials wandered about like headless flies, their discussions rising and falling in a dissonant chorus.

"Silence!"

"Silence!"

Wang Zhonghai shouted several times, and Zheng Yi resumed his seat upon the Dragon Throne.

The second prince's rebellion?

This revelation struck both the officials and Zheng Yi like thunder on a clear day.

The martial kingdom had waged war for years, crushing countless rebels across the land, all relying on this very second prince!

Who could have imagined that he would... rebel now?

"Your Majesty!"

Suddenly, an elderly man strode forward, his voice grave: "Your Majesty, Prince Xuan has rebelled. I beseech you to muster the Imperial Guard to suppress the traitors!"

Zheng Yi's gaze sharpened—this man was the Prime Minister, Yang Xuanhe, second only to the emperor himself, a member of the illustrious Yang clan of Shangyang.

As he spoke, another wave of confusion swept through the hall. Squads of Imperial Guards suddenly burst in, weapons drawn, encircling the assembled officials.

"By order of Prince Xuan: Crown Prince Zheng Yuanfeng and Third Prince Zheng Yuanhui have plotted rebellion. For His Majesty's safety, I have come to protect the emperor!"

The speaker was none other than Gao Zhan, commander of the Imperial Guards!

At this, the officials present were left utterly bewildered.

"The Imperial Guard belongs to Prince Xuan!"

"The Crown Prince and Third Prince have already been killed—how could they rebel?"

"Shh... Keep your voice down!"

"The heavens are about to change!"

Upon the Dragon Throne, Zheng Yi calmed instead.

Since things had come to this, he might as well accept it. After all, he had only transmigrated to this world a few hours prior, and already such a spectacle was unfolding before his eyes—it was dazzlingly overwhelming.

Moreover, this world, though it contained martial artists and cultivators, was in essence still an ancient dynasty.

There were traditions akin to Confucian rites, and the principles of Heaven, Sovereign, Parent, and Teacher held true.

As the emperor, his own son was leading the rebellion. No matter how ruthless, no matter the enormity of his crime, he would never be killed in broad daylight before all these people.

At worst, it would be akin to the "Xuanwu Gate Incident" of his previous life—imprisonment, abdication, and elevation to Retired Emperor.

Besides, he possessed the "Compendium of Worldly Beauties."

Though he did not yet know its purpose, so long as he was granted time and safety, he would surely uncover its secrets.

With a spectator's odd gaze, Zheng Yi watched, while the assembled officials waited in anxious silence. Soon, another party entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

At their head strode a man clad in dark yellow armor, over thirty years of age, about six feet tall, with a lean build and a stride that exuded the presence of a dragon or tiger—a man of imposing aura.

His features were resolute, his eyes bright, the visage of a battle-hardened general.

This was none other than the Second Prince of Yu, Prince Xuan—Zheng Yuansen!

"Your son greets Father Emperor!"

Upon seeing Zheng Yi, Zheng Yuansen quickly approached, then knelt, respectfully saying, "Your son has heard of the Crown Prince and Third Prince conspiring to rebel and even plotting regicide."

"Thus I hastened here with my men to protect Your Majesty. I beg forgiveness for my tardiness!"

"We beg Your Majesty's forgiveness for our late arrival in your defense!" echoed the generals and advisors behind Zheng Yuansen, all kneeling in unison and proclaiming, "Long live the Emperor!"

Zheng Yi regarded them with great interest, fully aware that today's events were nothing less than a forced abdication.

Having just arrived in this world, he could not possibly hope to escape; he promptly declared, "Rise, all of you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Prince Xuan."

"Your son is here."

"Have you come today to save your emperor or to slay him?"

"To save you, Father."

"Very well."

Zheng Yi took the lead: "These days I have felt fatigued in mind and body. Now, to hear of the Crown Prince and Third Prince's rebellion and deaths pains me all the more!"

"I wish to abdicate in favor of Prince Xuan. What are your thoughts?"

What?!

Zheng Yuansen, who had composed himself and was deliberating on how to broach the matter, was utterly startled by Zheng Yi's words.

He hadn't even spoken, and yet his father had said it all!

Moreover...

Why did his father's gaze seem so odd? There was anticipation, excitement—even a hint of amusement.

What was happening?

He had prepared long for this day, with only a handful of confidants in the entire Prince Xuan's household aware of the plan.

Yet after everything, his father was not wrathful, but calm.

Could it be that all his actions had been foreseen by his father?

"F-Father," Zheng Yuansen stammered, "I came today to protect you, not to force abdication..."

Though he longed for his father to willingly yield the throne, this was all too sudden—too easy.

By nature cautious, he intended to wait a little longer.

Seeing Prince Xuan hesitate, Zheng Yi grew anxious.

Why offer you the throne if you won't take it?

You've already killed the Crown Prince and Third Prince, and led troops to the palace—how could you falter at the final step?

Zheng Yi knew himself; he was not the true emperor and would be wise to relinquish the throne quickly.

Otherwise, given time, his secret would surely be uncovered.

Besides, by abdicating, he would be elevated to Retired Emperor under the filial traditions of this world—how could he be neglected?

A throne fraught with fear could never compare to the relaxed ease of being Retired Emperor.

"My child, I speak the truth from my heart!"

"You alone are fit to sit upon this throne!"

Their back-and-forth left the assembled officials dumbfounded.

Was it possible for a forced abdication to proceed in such a manner?

Especially among Prince Xuan's strategists and generals, admiration for their lord grew ever deeper.

In the end, Prince Xuan could not resist the determination of Zheng Yi and was "forced" to accept the abdication.

The coup had succeeded, though the process had its twists, and the throne was now his.

Surrounded by his loyal courtiers and generals, Zheng Yuansen could not help but think of his father.

"Alas... My father has indeed shown me immense favor, and after all, he is my father."

Turning to his advisors, Zheng Yuansen said, "I intend to build a new palace for my father where he may enjoy his later years, and name it the Bright Palace, to display my heartfelt respect. What say you all?"

"Your Highness is magnanimous. The Emperor, wise and just, will surely understand your intentions."

"Ah, but we mustn't call him Emperor any longer. He is now Retired Emperor! Your Highness is our sovereign now..."

"Indeed, my old mind is muddled. I pay respects to Your Majesty!"

"This humble general greets Your Majesty!"

Laughter erupted among Prince Xuan's followers, their joy unrestrained.

By contrast, the former Crown Prince and Third Prince's officials mourned as if at a funeral.

Imperial Guards and Divine Martial Troops swept through the palace and capital, hunting down the Crown Prince's remaining followers—to root them out entirely!

As dusk descended, Zheng Yi, already under the "protection" of the Divine Martial Troops, was escorted to the Purple Dawn Palace.

Gao Zhan respectfully announced, "Your Majesty, tonight you shall rest here. My men and I will ensure your safety."

"Very well," Zheng Yi replied, and, attended by two trembling eunuchs, entered the palace.

He had not yet completed the abdication ceremony, and so remained emperor—for now. But becoming Retired Emperor was only a matter of time.

No sooner had he entered than two young palace maids, flanking a young woman, approached and knelt before him.

"Your humble servant, Xiao Ruxue, greets Your Majesty."

Surprised, Zheng Yi asked, "And you are...?"

"Your servant is a beauty specially presented to Your Majesty by Prince Xuan..."

"Prince Xuan? Zheng Yuansen?"

Zheng Yi's eyes flashed. As expected of his son—he certainly had an eye for people!

He wondered, though, was this woman truly a beauty offered as a gift, or a spy planted by Prince Xuan?

No matter—the honeyed arrow of seduction was welcome.

"Rise, and lift your head."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The young woman stood and lifted her fair face.

She was no more than eighteen or nineteen, her eyebrows sleek as willow, eyes pure and bright, her oval face flawless, skin delicate as blood-stained jade.

Her eyes, shaped like peach blossoms, brimmed with alluring charm.

She wore a scarlet ruqun, hugging her young, seductive form—tall and radiant.

Especially striking was her full, snowy bosom, which, against the red silk, set her off like a blood-red blossom in a field of white.

"Not bad at all," Zheng Yi's eyes lit up. In both beauty and figure she surpassed any star or internet celebrity of his previous life.

Without further ado, he swept her into his arms and onto the bed.

A faint whimper escaped Xiao Ruxue, pain flickering across her lovely face.

"Your Majesty, this is my first time—please be gentle..."